Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, ordered the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Godwin Omobayo, to appear in person by November 26.
The order followed Omobayo’s refusal to vacate the office for the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
Governor Godwin Obaseki on April 8 appointed the 38-year-old Omobayo as deputy governor following the impeachment of Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Justice Omotosho had on July 17 nullified Shaibu’s impeachment and reinstated him to the position.
After Omobayo refused to vacate the position, Shaibu in a suit asked the court to commit the deputy governor to prison for disobeying a valid order.
At Monday’s proceeding, the judge said the order was to give Omobayo a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend himself in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said: “The order is in the interest of justice and to allow the alleged contemnor to defend himself and a fair hearing.
“The alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on the 26th day of November 2024.”
The judge adjourned the hearing on the matter till November 26.
Governor Obaseki’s tenure will end on November 12.
